Dallas Cowboys - TeamReport

The Cowboys have six picks in the draft, including the 18th overall selection in the first round.

Considering they had little money and thus little ability to upgrade the team in free agency, if they hope to make significant improvements in personnel heading into 2013 it will come via the draft.

The Cowboys have needs at guard, safety, defensive tackle, defensive end, running back, linebacker and tight end. They could use impact players at all of those positions.

There is also a chance they could draft a quarterback for the future. But that is way down on the list of priorities after signing Tony Romo to a six-year, $108 million contract.

At the top of the list, however is getting Romo some help in terms of blocking up front, which is why guards Chance Warmack and Jonathan Cooper would be no-brainer picks at No. 18 if either of them are still on the board when the Cowboys pick.

If the Cowboys go with a guard in the first round they could satisfy their need for a safety in the second around with Eric Reid.

The Cowboys will head into the draft spinning the story of picking the best available player. But they don't have a history of doing that. They usually pick the best available player at a need position.

And that's likely what is doing to take place this time as well.

Again the biggest needs are at offensive guard, safety and defensive tackle. But also consider running back and a blocking tight end as must-gets in this year's draft for the Cowboys.

The Cowboys won't be looking for a backup running back but one that can be a starter considering the injury history of current starter DeMarco Murray. They not only need someone to help carry the load but a back that can start if necessary.

The Cowboys would love to get their hands on Le'Veon Bell from Michigan State.

Don't be confused by the need at tight end. The Cowboys are quite happy with Pro Bowler Jason Witten. But part of the problems with the running game is the lack of a true blocking tight end to help set the edge. The Cowboys haven't had that since they lost Martellus Bennett in free agency.

Two names to watch at tight end are Rutgers' D.C. Jefferson and Michigan State's Dion Sims.

-----------------------------------------------

NFL Team Report - Dallas Cowboys - NOTES, QUOTES

--Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones said the team has an interest in free-agent tackle Eric Winston. Nothing will happen until after the draft, if then. No contract has been offered. But he is considered an option at tackle if the team goes away from Doug Free. Free has been asked to take a pay cut from his $7 million salary or be cut from the team as a June 1 salary casualty.

"He's obviously somebody we're taking a look at," Jones said. "We certainly haven't dismissed Doug (Free). We felt like when we went to rotating him and Jermey Parnell, he really picked up his game in terms of the competition, not to mention the fact I think he got some clarity as to what Bill Callahan was after. So I think there's some interesting prospects there between what we have and what we could get, and obviously the interior part of our line, the same thing holds true. We had some injuries, and after one year under Bill and what may happen in the draft, we'll just have to see what happens."

--The Cowboys signed quarterback Tony Romo to a six-year, $108 million contract extension, but vice-president Stephen Jones wouldn't rule out taking a quarterback at some point in the draft. "I think it's all opportunity," Jones said. "If you see the right guy is there when it's your turn to pick, you certainly have to look at it. We did it with Stephen McGee three or four years ago, and obviously that was when Tony was even younger.

"So certainly it wouldn't stop us if we felt the right guy was there," Jones said. "(If) we felt like he had the upside to develop with Tony and Kyle, certainly to be the right fit if the right guy is there."

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I think the thing that excites me most are the players on the team and the prospect of having a healthy football team. Defensively, two of our better players - Sean Lee and Bruce Carter - missed a significant amount of time and DeMarcus Ware, for the most part, played hurt. That gives you reason to be excited." -- Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones.

-----------------------------------------------

NFL Team Report - Dallas Cowboys - STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

TEAM NEEDS

Safety: The Cowboys will be looking for a safety in the draft and free agency to play center field because veteran Gerald Sensabaugh was cut and the top two safeties on the roster are coming off injuries from a year ago in Barry Church and Matt Johnson. Neither have ever been fulltime starters.

Defensive line: With the move from the 3-4 to the 4-3, the Cowboys will be looking at defensive ends and defensive tackles in the draft. They believe Jay Ratliff and Jason Hatcher can man the two tackle positions but they would not pass on a special player there in the first round. The decision to franchise Anthony Spencer has reduced the need for a defensive end at the top of the draft.

Guard/center: The Cowboys are hoping guards Mackenzy Bernadeau and Nate Livings are better in year two if they can stay healthy. But they will not hesitate to make a move at this position in the draft. Bernadeau could potentially move to center where there remains uncertainty with Ryan Cook and the injured Phil Costa competing for the starting job.

Running back: The Cowboys need to find a running back to pair with oft-injured starter DeMarco Murray. Felix Jones will not be re-signed and the Cowboys need a runner to not only spell Murray but also supplant him if he misses significant time.